Stephen V. Grillo

Stephen Vincent Grillo, 85, of New York, NY and Hope Valley, RI, passed peacefully with his family at his side on May 7, 2024. Born in Providence, RI he was the oldest son of Vincent and Viola (Altieri) Grillo. Stephen attended Nelson Street School, Mount Pleasant High School and Providence College, graduating in 1967. Stephen’s love and passion for art was evident from a young age; winning one of only two statewide scholarships to RISD’s afterschool studies program in figurative drawing which he attended 7th through 12th grade. This experience led him on his path to a full scholarship to Boston University where he was awarded his MFA in Fine Arts in 1971. He attended Berklee School of Music and Boston Conservatory playing clarinet and alto saxophone and was proud to play in the Rhode Island National Guard 88th Army Band.

In 1972, Stephen and his wife moved to New York City, establishing careers in the arts. Stephen was a Professor and Artist-in-Residence nationwide including at Brandeis University, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Westminster College. He was the Art Director of the Westchester Music and Arts Camp, an English and Social Studies teacher at Mount St. Charles Academy, and maintained a 30+ year career as a Graphic Artist and Lead Print Estimator at design houses around New York City.

Stephen was a member of the Artist's Choice Museum, both participating in and curating several shows. He was the Editor of The ACM, the museum’s monthly journal, featuring articles by Mr. Grillo and others. Stephen’s art was in many curated and group shows as well as one man exhibits in galleries including the Terry Dintenfass Gallery, the Sherry French Gallery, The Bowery Gallery, the Queens Museum, The James Joyce Finnegan’s Wake Society, Colby College and the Butler Institute of American Art. His art hangs in private and public collections worldwide.

He was happiest at his home in Hope Valley, RI with friends and family, sitting on his porch, or watching the Yankees. He loved great wines, great food, great books and great music. Stephen’s art career was lifelong as he was painting and drawing in his studio just months before his passing. A favorite saying of his, “Ars longa, vita brevis” - art is long, life is short. He lived a wonderful life, and his memory will live on in his work and his family who adored him.

Of his creations, his greatest accomplishment was the creation of his family. Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, writer Jean (Bergantini) Grillo, his daughter, Dr. Aria Grillo Chiaraviglio, his “bonus son”, John Chiaraviglio, one cherished grandson Hudson, and a dear brother, Gerald (Jerry) Grillo Sr. Stephen is predeceased by his parents, and his much-loved brother, Eugene.

His visitation will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. in St. Raymond Church, 1240 North Main St, Providence. Burial will be private.